Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vybz Kartel in Celebration of Reggae Month. I include in the Record the following, proclamation:

Whereas, reggae and dancehall music remain powerful global

expressions of Jamaican culture, creativity, and social

commentary, celebrated annually during Reggae Month in

recognition of the artists who have shaped and transformed

the genre; and

Whereas, Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Azim Palmer in Kingston,

Jamaica, has been one of the most influential and provocative

figures in contemporary dancehall, earning titles such as

``Worl' Boss,'' ``Teacha,'' and ``King of Dancehall''; and

Whereas, emerging in the early 1990s and rising to

prominence in the early 2000s, Vybz Kartel became known for

his prolific songwriting, sharp lyrical delivery, and

cultural impact, helping to redefine the sound and direction

of modern dancehall music; and

Whereas, his hit singles including ``Romping Shop,''

``Dancehall Hero,'' and ``Summer Time'' have become staples

of the genre, while his collaborations with international

artists have further expanded dancehall's global reach; and

Whereas, recognized for his immense productivity and

enduring connection to fans worldwide, Vybz Kartel maintained

a significant musical presence throughout his career,

continuing to influence new generations of artists in Jamaica

and abroad; and

Whereas, his cultural impact has extended beyond Jamaica's

shores, inspiring numerous international performers and

contributing to the worldwide evolution of dancehall-infused

popular music; and therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, Florida's 20th Congressional District,

proudly acknowledge Vybz Kartel in celebration of Reggae

Month, recognizing his significant contributions to dancehall

music, his cultural influence, and his role in shaping the

global sound and legacy of Jamaican music.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Buju Banton in Celebration of Reggae Month. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Wheareas, reggae music stands as a global symbol of

resistance, love, spirituality, and cultural identity, rooted

in the history and resilience of the Jamaican people and

celebrated worldwide during Reggae Month; and

Wheareas, Buju Banton, born Mark Anthony Myrie in Kingston,

Jamaica, has risen from humble beginnings to become one of

the most influential and celebrated figures in reggae and

dancehall history, shaping the sound, message, and global

reach of Caribbean music for more than three decades; and

Wheareas, a Grammy Award--winning artist, cultural

revolutionary, and musical educator, Buju Banton has produced

an extraordinary body of work that includes timeless classics

such as ``Champion,'' ``Love Me Brownin,'' and ``Destiny,''

while breaking records and expanding the global consciousness

of reggae music beyond generations and borders; and

Wheareas, through twelve studio albums and collaborations

with legendary artists across genres, Buju Banton has

consistently centered his music on themes of love, equality,

African identity, spirituality, and liberation, using his

voice to challenge injustice and uplift the oppressed; and

Wheareas, his continued leadership in the revival of Roots

Rock Reggae reinforces reggae's foundational message--that

love is both the standard and the solution--while inspiring

new generations to reconnect with the cultural, spiritual,

and social power of the music; and

Wheareas, Buju Banton's artistry represents the enduring

strength of reggae as a force for healing, education, and

unity, affirming its role as a living expression of Caribbean

heritage and global humanity; and therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, Florida's 20th Congressional District,

proudly honor Buju Banton in celebration of Reggae Month,

recognizing his extraordinary contributions to music,

culture, and social consciousness, and expressing deep

appreciation for his lasting impact on reggae music and the

global community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Spragga Benz in celebration of Reggae Month. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, reggae and dancehall music represent powerful

expressions of Jamaican culture, resilience, and global

influence, celebrated annually during Reggae Month as a

tribute to the artists who have shaped and elevated the genre

worldwide; and

Whereas, Spragga Benz, born Carlton Errington Grant in

Kingston, Jamaica, has been a dynamic force in dancehall

music since the early 1990s, earning respect for his lyrical

skill, versatility, and enduring contribution to the

evolution of Jamaican sound; and

Whereas, from his breakout success with ``Love Mi Gun'' to

chart-topping hits such as ``She Nuh Ready Yet,'' and

acclaimed albums including Jack it Up, Fully Loaded Shotta

Culture, and Chiliagon, which topped the Billboard Reggae

Albums chart, Spragga Benz has consistently demonstrated

artistic excellence and innovation; and

Whereas, his collaborations with internationally renowned

artists across genres have expanded the reach of reggae and

dancehall, reinforcing Jamaica's cultural impact on the

global music landscape; and

Whereas, beyond music, Spragga Benz has shown a deep

commitment to community upliftment through initiatives such

as the Stay in School Program and the Carlisle Foundation,

supporting youth development and opportunity in Jamaica; and

Whereas, his legacy reflects perseverance, cultural pride,

and a dedication to using music as a platform for

empowerment, storytelling, and social influence; and

therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, Florida's 20th Congressional District,

proudly honor Spragga Benz in celebration of Reggae Month,

recognizing his outstanding contributions to reggae and

dancehall music, his cultural influence, and his commitment

to community empowerment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Busy Signal in celebration of Reggae Month. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Wheareas, reggae and dancehall music serve as powerful

cultural expressions of Jamaica's history, resilience, and

creativity, influencing communities around the world and

celebrated annually during Reggae Month; and

Wheareas, Busy Signal, born Reanno Devon Gordon in Saint

Ann Parish, Jamaica, has emerged as one of the leading voices

of contemporary dancehall, shaping the sound and global reach

of Jamaican music for more than two decades; and

Wheareas, since his breakout in the early 2000s with hits

such as ``Step Out,'' ``Nah Go Jail Again,'' ``Tic Toc,'' and

``Unknown Number,'' Busy Signal has consistently demonstrated

artistic versatility, lyrical authenticity, and an unwavering

commitment to representing the culture and energy of Jamaica;

and

Wheareas, through successful studio albums including Step

Out, Loaded, Reggae Music Again, and Parts of the Puzzle,

Busy Signal has bridged traditional reggae foundations with

modern dancehall innovation, earning international acclaim

and chart success, including placement on the Billboard

Reggae Albums chart; and

Wheareas, his collaborations with global artists and

producers have expanded the international influence of reggae

and dancehall, reinforcing Jamaica's enduring role as a

cultural powerhouse in music and entertainment; and

Wheareas, Busy Signal's journey reflects resilience,

growth, and artistic evolution, inspiring fans worldwide

while continuing to elevate Caribbean music on the global

stage; and therefore, be it

Resolved, that we, Florida's 20th Congressional District,

proudly honor Busy Signal in celebration of Reggae Month,

recognizing his significant contributions to reggae and

dancehall music, cultural expression, and the global

advancement of Jamaican artistry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Shaggy in celebration of Reggae Month. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, reggae music represents the heartbeat of Jamaican

culture and continues to serve as a powerful global force for

unity, creativity, and cultural expression, celebrated

annually during Reggae Month in recognition of the artists

who have elevated the genre worldwide; and

Whereas, Shaggy, born Orville Richard Burrell in Kingston,

Jamaica, has become one of the most internationally

successful reggae and dancehall artists of his generation,

bridging Jamaican roots with global mainstream appeal; and

Whereas, with iconic hits including ``It Wasn't Me,''

``Boombastic,'' ``Angel,'' ``In the Summertime,'' and ``Oh

Carolina,'' Shaggy has achieved worldwide acclaim, bringing

reggae and dancehall to international charts and audiences

across continents; and

Whereas, his album Boombastic earned the Grammy Award for

Best Reggae Album in 1996, and his collaborative album 44/876

with Sting earned the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in

2019, marking multiple decades of sustained excellence and

global impact; and

Whereas, a proud Jamaican-American and veteran of the

United States Marine Corps who served during the Persian Gulf

War, Shaggy's journey reflects dedication, discipline, and

perseverance, qualities that have shaped both his life and

career; and

Whereas, in recognition of his cultural and artistic

contributions, he has been honored with the Jamaican Order of

Distinction at the rank of Commander and awarded an honorary

Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Brown University; and

Whereas, through decades of music, philanthropy, and

international representation of Jamaican culture, Shaggy

continues to inspire new generations and expand the global

influence of reggae music; and therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, Florida's 20th Congressional District,

proudly honor Shaggy in celebration of Reggae Month,

recognizing his extraordinary contributions to reggae and

dancehall music, his service, his cultural leadership, and

his enduring global impact.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Wayne Wonder in Celebration of Reggae Month. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, reggae and dancehall music serve as enduring

global symbols of Jamaican culture, resilience, and artistic

excellence, celebrated annually during Reggae Month in

recognition of the artists who have elevated the genre to

international acclaim; and

Whereas, Wayne Wonder, born Von Wayne Charles in Buff Bay, Portland, Jamaica, has made a lasting contribution to reggae and dancehall music through his smooth vocal style, songwriting talent, and crossover appeal; and

Whereas, beginning his musical journey in church and developing his craft from a young age, Wayne Wonder earned early recognition with performances at Metro Media in Kingston, laying the foundation for a distinguished and enduring career; and

Whereas, his international hit single ``No Letting Go'' became a global anthem in 2003, introducing dancehall-infused reggae to mainstream audiences worldwide and solidifying his status as a leading voice in the genre; and

Whereas, through decades of consistent artistry, collaborations, and chart-topping releases, Wayne Wonder has helped shape the sound of contemporary reggae and dancehall while representing Jamaica with distinction on the world stage; and

Whereas, his musical legacy reflects dedication, versatility, and a commitment to spreading positive energy through song; and therefore, be it

Resolved, That we, Florida's 20th Congressional District,

proudly honor Wayne Wonder in celebration of Reggae Month,

recognizing his significant contributions to reggae and

dancehall music, his global cultural influence, and his

enduring impact on Jamaican artistry.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with deep concern for the recent anti-Semitic attack in Bondi Beach, Australia.

This tragedy reminds us that hate does not recognize borders. Hatred toward the Jewish people is not confined to one nation or to one moment. It is a global threat, and it resurfaces everywhere. It demands a response from everyone.

Anti-Semitic events in the United States have reached historic highs in recent years. In Florida alone, reports have increased from 269 to 353 within only 1 year. However, what we need to realize is that America is an interfaith nation where Christians, Jews, Muslims, and people of all beliefs have helped shape this country.

When one community is targeted, all communities are at risk. Anti- Semitism has no place in Australia, no place in the United States, and no place in this world. We must condemn anti-Semitism loudly and reject all forms of hatred. We must respond to hate with unity. We must meet fear with courage, and we must choose to lead with justice and dignity for every single person, every single day.

Madam Speaker, in just 14 days, hardworking families, seniors, and veterans across America will face the largest healthcare insurance premium increase in history, which will make healthcare unattainable for so many Americans.

When healthcare becomes unattainable, it turns treatable illnesses into a death sentence. Americans will be forced to figure out their healthcare. For people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, figuring it out means going without medication that is lifesaving. This is cruel and simply unacceptable.

Congress has the responsibility to act and finally make healthcare affordable for all Americans because a single mother in Lauderhill who is rationing her medication to keep the lights on is counting on us. The disabled veteran in Riviera Beach who is working two jobs is counting on us. The recent college grad in Tamarac who makes enough money only to pay rent is counting on us.

We must deliver and extend the ACA tax credits because America is counting on us to survive, to thrive, and to have another chance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today out of deep concern for the direction of our Nation. Immigration policies restricting green card holders, banning asylum seekers from 19 Third World countries, cutting their worker visas, and terminating TPS will have dire economic consequences.

Immigrants have sustained America's economy for generations, and in my home State of Florida, they make up over 30 percent of our workforce and contribute more than $170 billion in spending power.

Many industries, such as construction, agriculture, hospital, and healthcare, are already suffering severe worker shortages.

Ending TPS for nearly one-half million Haitians and Venezuelans will devastate these sectors, and the blanket ban on 19 countries will block the students, nurses, entrepreneurs, and scientists and drive American innovation to a stagnation. It blocks the next Einstein and the next Carnegie.

We need strategic policies that are workforce-driven, create merit- based pathways, and expanded skills training for Americans to meet this moment.

Mr. Speaker, I urge this Chamber to support an immigration system that strengthens American families, businesses, and economy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative McClellan for hosting this tonight and for hearing the cries of our district, what they are suffering and the political anxiety that they are living in just thinking that healthcare for them and their families will be stripped from them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today for a woman named Maria. Maria lives in

Broward County. She is a home health aide who works full time, raising two children, and still cannot afford health insurance without the tax credit from the Affordable Care Act.

Because of those credits, Maria can take her blood pressure medication, and her son can see a specialist for his asthma. These are not extras. These are basic human survival and dignity matters.

If these credits expire, Maria's premiums will more than double. She will be forced to choose which child sees a doctor and which child stays home and waits to get better.

Mr. Speaker, that is not a choice any mother should have to face. That is not freedom. That is fear.

Maria is not alone. In Florida's 20th District, more than 200,000 people depend on these tax credits, and many are already dealing with serious gaps in their healthcare.

This is not a policy debate. This is not a question of who we choose to value. This is a question of dignity for all Americans and their right to survive.

I am calling on every Member in this House to look beyond party politics, party games, and trying to get the limelight to actually put human beings' lives front and center.

The shutdown may be over, but our responsibility to protect the health and dignity of the American people is not.

If we do not pass the ACA tax credits, we will be guilty of political malpractice for each person who goes without healthcare and has an unfortunate demise.

Once again, I stress to every Member in this body to make sure we retain healthcare and the dignity of all Americans in this country and their right to have healthcare and survive like anyone else.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the extraordinary service and enduring legacy of Ms. Loretta Young, Commander of American Legion Post 365. Her steadfast leadership and tireless advocacy have shaped the lives of countless veterans and community members across South Florida. Ms. Young will be honored in Sunrise, Florida, for more than 25 years of distinguished service as Commander, the second-longest tenure of any Post Commander in the State of Florida.

Born in 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised between the city and the heartlands of South Jersey, Ms. Young is a proud member of the Lenape Nation of New Jersey. Her early years were marked by academic excellence and a deep sense of civic duty, inspired by her father, a retired Philadelphia firefighter. That sense of duty led her to enlist in the United States Air Force, where she served with honor at Travis Air Force Base in California, achieving the rank of A3C in Administration and Base Personnel.

Since assuming command of Post 365 in the year 2000, Ms. Young has exemplified the values of patriotism, leadership, and service. Her tenure includes roles as Post Historian, Service Officer, Executive Officer, and 9th District Commander. She has served on national committees for Legislative Affairs and National Security, and chaired the Department's JROTC and Junior Shooting Sports Program for over two decades. Her leadership has extended far beyond the American Legion, touching civic institutions, youth organizations, and advisory boards throughout Broward County. Ms. Young's community engagement is both vast and impactful. She co-founded the JROTC Support Association in 2006 and currently serves as its President. She has chaired the 23rd Congressional Academy Board for the past ten years and was appointed to the Veterans Advisory Board in 2015. Her commitment to youth, veterans, and civic education has earned her recognition as a Pioneer Day Recipient by the City of Sunrise and induction into the Broward Senior Hall of Fame in 2015.

Her journey of service began in earnest after retiring from American Airlines in 1995,

when she began volunteering at assisted living facilities and later co- founded the Professional Women Veterans Association, the first nonprofit in Broward County dedicated to female veterans. Through workshops, retreats, and outreach, she helped elevate the voices and needs of women in uniform and played a formative role in the early development of Mission United, a program supporting homeless veterans. Ms. Young's story is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment. She is a global traveler, a devoted mother and grandmother, and a beacon of optimism who sees the glass half full. Her life reflects a profound dedication to service, safety, and the belief that every challenge is an opportunity to uplift others.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Loretta Young for her decades of leadership, advocacy, and community-building. Her legacy is etched into the fabric of South Florida and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have when guided by purpose, compassion, and a deep love for country and community.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to co-lead H.R. 3579 the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program Integrity Act alongside Congressman Ciscomani.

This bipartisan bill expands economic opportunities for our veterans and brings much-needed transparency for the Veterans Readiness and Employment Program which helps veterans with service-connected disabilities transition to civilian careers.

Serving over 125,000 veterans each year, the VR&E program is critical, especially for veterans in Florida and nationwide, helping them gain the skills and opportunities needed to build successful and dignified lives after service.

To ensure veterans receive the support they deserve, the Department of Veterans Affairs must provide timely and accurate data on program outcomes. Veterans should not have to endure excessive wait times before accessing their critical services. This requires the VA to report on employment rates, wages, and average wait times, guaranteeing that veterans receive prompt and effective assistance.

These measures will improve program effectiveness and ensure veterans benefit from high quality and timely support.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I encourage the Senate to act quickly.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following proclamation honoring Dr. Reverend Griffith Davis.

Whereas, born one of eighteen children to Mr. Lindsey and

Mrs. Ruth Davis, Reverend Griffin Davis emerged early as a

charismatic and gifted leader, first a performer alongside

his sister, to then becoming the iconic drum-major at

Roosevelt High School in West Palm Beach, channeling his

creativity and gift for leadership into divine purpose;

Whereas, at age 21, Reverend Davis courageously answered

his calling, leaving behind a successful management role,

answering God's calling to set out with only ten cents and a

command to ``Go Build'';

Whereas, after attending seminary in Nashville, Tennessee,

Reverend Davis returned to his community with his wife, Mrs.

Hughetta Davis, and their three sons, Reverend Griffin Davis

Jr., Denzel Davis, and Sydney Davis, to establish Hilltop

Missionary Baptist Church, a sanctuary built on prayer,

faith, generosity, and service;

Whereas, for more than 55 years, Reverend Davis led his

congregation by powerful example, ringing in each new year

with a forty-day fast and prayer, instilling the

transformative power of spiritual discipline and neverending

faith;

Whereas, his ministry extended far beyond the church walls,

touching the lives of the most vulnerable through food and

clothing drives, housing initiatives, compassionate counsel,

and tireless community advocacy, all of which are reminiscent

of his mantra that ``Being nice costs nothing, but it pays a

million'';

Whereas, his legacy as a servant-leader, spiritual father,

and pillar of goodwill lives on in the countless lives he

touched and in the enduring foundation of Hilltop Missionary

Baptist Church; and

Therefore, be it resolved that we, Florida's 20th

Congressional District, proudly honor and celebrate the

contributions, wisdom, and life, of Reverend Griffin Davis

for his spiritual guidance, unwavering dedication to service,

and elevation of morality.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record the following proclamation honoring Band CaRiMi.

Whereas, music has long been a unifying force that

transcends borders and generations, preserving culture and

celebrating heritage. Few bands have embodied this mission

more profoundly than CaRiMi, a pioneering group that has

played an instrumental role in shaping and elevating Haitian

music and culture. Through their infectious rhythms, they

have inspired generations and brought people together through

the universal language of music;

Whereas, the band's founding members--Carlo Vieux, Richard

Cave, and Mickael Guirand--left their homeland of Haiti to

pursue education but never abandoned their passion for music.

Their name, ``CaRiMi,'' derived from the first two letters of

their

names, became a symbol of unity, passion, and innovation in

the music industry;

Whereas, their impact quickly transcended borders,

garnering international recognition with Best Album of the

Year in Haiti, topping music charts in Guadeloupe, Paris,

Martinique, French Guiana, Canada, and beyond. Their success

led to a distribution deal with Virgin Records Worldwide,

further cementing their reputation as global ambassadors of

Haitian music;

Whereas, their high-energy performances have left an

indelible mark on audiences worldwide, from the prestigious

Olympia in France to the electrifying spectacle of Haiti's

Carnival, where they performed before 300,000 fans. With

sold-out concerts across multiple continents, CaRiMi has

solidified its place in music history and has helped shape

and modernize Konpa while remaining deeply rooted in its

traditions;

Whereas, as they reunite for their final concert at Amerant

Bank Arena, this momentous occasion is not just a celebration

of their remarkable career, but also a tribute to the unity,

resilience, and cultural vibrancy of the Haitian community.

Their music has uplifted hearts, provided solace, and

reinforced a shared cultural identity among Haitians

worldwide, making this reunion a truly historic and emotional

event; and

Therefore, be it proclaimed that we, the 20th Congressional

District of Florida, do hereby commend CaRiMi for their

dedication to innovation, artistic excellence, and cultural

preservation, and express gratitude for the joy and

inspiration they have provided countless fans worldwide.

Their legacy is a testament to the power of music to unite,

heal, and inspire, and their contributions will be celebrated

for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to include in the Record the following proclamation honoring Dr. Solanges Vivens.

Whereas, Born in Haiti and inspired by the wise, enduring

strength of the turtle, Dr. Solanges Vivens immigrated to the

United States and devoted over four decades to advancing

healthcare and business leadership; and

Whereas, Rising from a non-English-speaking factory worker,

to a renowned healthcare executive, author and advocate; Dr.

Vivens embodies perseverance, courage, and visionary

leadership; and

Whereas, Her academic achievements including a Bachelor of

Science in Nursing from Long Island University, a Master's in

Health Services Administration from Georgetown University,

and a Doctorate in Humane Letters from Voorhees College,

epitomize her lifelong commitment to education, leadership,

and service; and

Whereas, Dr. Vivens has received numerous accolades

recognizing her achievements, including the D.C. Health Care

Association Leadership Award, Nelson Mandela Children's Fund

Award, Hope Giver Award, and the Champion of Women Award, a

Miami-Dade Public County Schools Proclamation, the city of

North Miami's ``Dr. Solanges Vivens Day'', and induction into

the Island Space Caribbean Museum, each honoring her service

to women, children, and underserved communities worldwide;

and

Whereas, Through her acclaimed works, Girls Can Move

Mountains, A Revelation, and Educated Girl, Empowered Woman,

Dr. Vivens uplifts Haitian youth and shares stories of

resilience, while serving as a beacon of hope and healing,

representing the Caribbean and African diaspora at

international forums like the Global Leaders Women's

Conference in Dubai and the Venice Film Festival; and

Therefore, be it resolved that we, Florida's 20th

Congressional District, in celebration of Caribbean-American

Heritage Month, proudly honor Dr. Solanges Vivens for her

extraordinary contributions to healthcare, women's

empowerment, education, humanitarian advocacy, and Caribbean

excellence.